Huntsville, AL

Smile As Big As The Moon Huntsville Alabama

This movie may not have a lot to do with real estate in Alabama at first glance, but much of the space program, NASA and supporting contractors actually have impacted Huntsville Alabama real estate bringing many people here for jobs in the space industry, but that's not what this post is about. It's about an inspirational move "Smile as Big as the Moon".

Last Sunday night I watched a movie "Smile As Big As The Moon" that was in part filmed in Wilmington NC and here in Huntsville Alabama. I don't think I've ever done a movie "Review"...this is not one of those times either. I enjoyed the movie because part of it was filmed at Space Camp, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the Davidson Center for Space Exploration all located here in Huntsville Alabama where I've spent a lot of time.

The movie is a docudrama inspirational work about a Michigan coach and special ed teacher who takes his special ed class to space camp in 1989...based on a true story.

I wanted to let everyone know that you will have another opportunity to see this movie as it will air again on

The Hallmark Channel.

February 4, 2012 at 8:00p.m. and 10:00p.m.
February 5, 2012 from 2:00pm to 4:00p.m.
February 12, 2012 from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.

Enjoy the trailer and if you get a chance to watch I think you'll enjoy it.

If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area.

So how many of you hate or love when people come knocking on your door only to try to sell you magazine subscriptions, carpet cleaning solutions or anything else that you may or may not care for?

The Huntsville City Council would like to have commercial sales people and professional fundraisers to apply to the city for solicitation permits. They would have to provide current background reports including criminal history and ex-convicts and parolees would be automatically disqualified for the permit.

Once the background check passed and an application fee paid, the solicitors would be given permits and photo identification tags. The solicitors need to wear to tags in clear view while going on door-to-door sales calls. Other stipulations of the new rule would not allow sales people to knock on doors before 8:00 am or after sunset. Homes with "No Solicitation" signs in the yard would be off limits (which I have on my own door).

This new ordinance would not affect Girl Scouts, religious groups, political candidates, student fundraisers and charitable groups (what is left?). This is just a proposal and will be discussed in a special work session later this month.

I believe they are proposing this due to a recent increase in home burglarlies~some of which, neighbors or homeowners had stated that a sales person had recently been to their home soliciting. I am not sure how this will play out. But in the meantime, my "No Soliciting" sign on our door will stay put.

How would you feel if this was happening in your neighborhood?

Being a Mom of a fourth-grader, the news I read today makes me one VERY proud and excited Parent!

It was announced today that Fourth-grade students across Alabama are going to be given a chance to be an integral part of space exploration. The Rocket City Space Pioneers announced a contest that will allow fourth-graders to name its moon lander. The students from the Huntsville Center for Technology, who are members of the Rocket City Space Pioneers team, built a full-scale model of a moon lander, which they unveiled on Tuesday.

"Every spacecraft needs a name," said Tim Pickens, chief propulsion engineer for Dynetics and the team leader for the Rocket City Space Pioneers. "We want a name that speaks to technology, innovation and a love of Alabama."

What is really cool is that the winning class will get a free trip to SPACE CAMP®. The class' teacher will receive a $500 gift card for classroom supplies. Teachers can register for the contest online. The deadline to register for the contest is Feb. 15.

The contest runs from Feb. 15 until Feb. 23. The winning name will be chosen in early March.

For those of you who may not know about SPACE CAMP®…It is a wonderful program that has been here for years. SPACE CAMP® was founded in 1982 as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® museum’s education program to promote the study of math, science, and technology. This educational program couples classroom instruction with hands-on activities and teaches teamwork, decision-making, and leadership. Rocket scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun, while leading the team of scientists and engineers at the Marshall Space Flight Center that sent astronauts to the moon, inspired these programs that have challenged and educated youngsters from all 50 states and over 40 countries and territories. SPACE CAMP®has become known as one of the premier math/science/technology educational programs in the United States.

Camps are available for fourth grade through high school-age students. Additional programs are available for trainees who are blind or visually impaired, and for the deaf or hard of hearing. "Space Is Special" is a program for special education students.

SPACE CAMP® programs are also available for adults, and special camps have been designed for educators and for corporate groups. Additional Space Camp Family Programs are available for children as young as 7 years.

If you watched ABC’s Hallmark Hall Of Fame Series movie A Smile As Big As The Moon, you got to see a lot of what SPACE CAMP® is all about. The Movie is about a special education teacher’s dream of helping his students attend SPACE CAMP®.

Although I am a “transplant” here in Huntsville, I am so VERY proud to call Huntsville home. My Children are getting a spectacular education along with all of these added bonuses of living in such a technology driven City. Now, time to go help my daughter think of names (shhhhhh.)

@Homes Realty Group Newsletter Huntsville and Madison Alabama

Alabama And Radon, Madison & Huntsville Alabama, Where To Go For Information

Alabama residents needing information about Radon in all areas of the state may contact the Alabama Cooperative Extension System program at this toll-free number: 1(855) ALRADON OR 1(855) 257-2366

Radon is a naturally occurring gas resulting from the breakdown of Uranium in rock, soil and water. Radon is radioactive and much like carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and tasteless. When out doors Radon Gas is relatively harmless, but when allowed to collect inside your home it can be very dangerous to your health. So dangerous in fact that the Surgeon General lists it as the second highest leading cause of lung cancer with an estimated 21,000 deaths per year.

The good news is that Radon Gas can be re-mediated with specially designed, but simplistic and reasonably priced remediation systems. And, when the Radon levels is found to be at or above 4.0 pCi/L, the seller is responsible for remediation...at least here in Alabama.

Radon can be found all over the world and Alabama is no different. Some markets do not require Radon testing or have Radon disclosures, but when buying a home here in Alabama I always bring up the topic and the issues of Radon and suggest testing always leaving it to my clients as a final decision. A home inspector I like to work with, Steve Handback, HomeTeam Inspection Service also does my clients Radon testing. He's certified and only uses the most accurately calibrated Radon testing machines available and I highly recommend him and I certainly recommend that you have your Alabama home tested. Testing takes 48 hours and the cost varies, but should be around $150. So if you are allowing me to represent you with the purchase of your new home, you can expect to have this conversation with me.

For more information about Radon, acceptable levels, testing or to view an information map of counties in Alabama regarding Radon levels follow this link to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

If you need a knowledgeable real estate professional in Madison or Huntsville Alabama area, why don't you let me Google that for you! I also know outstanding agents in all states and Canada should you need help relocating to a new area.